Elizabeth Utterback Massey

A graduate of Bartlett High School, Beth went to work as a telephone operator and later as a clerk typist for a railroad in Memphis. She married Joseph P. Massey, a Navy flyer, on July 22, 1950 and they were immediately sent to Coronado, CA. After giving birth to a son, Joseph, Jr., her husband was deployed for six months. His military service took them to Hawaii, and later to Pensacola, FL where their daughter, Elisa, was born. They moved to Norfolk, VA and then back to Carmel, California where their other daughter, Merrily, was born. The family then moved to Japan, where Beth became quite interested in Asian flower arranging and cooking. She also enjoyed golfing, dancing and became of a member of the Honey Bucketeers. After three years in Japan, they moved back to Norfolk for a brief stay before finally settling in the Washington, DC area, where they would reside for the next 25 years. Beth was very involved in Cub Scouting and Girl Scouting as a leader, a member of National Girl Scout Council and Cookie Selection Committee. She was an avid bridge player and also enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening and her membership in the African Violet Society. When her children were older, Beth continued her education, earning an Associate’s Degree in accounting at Northern Virginia Community College and went to work for the National Forest Service. After retiring, she and her husband built their dream home in Senatobia, MS to be close to Joe’s brother, Elmer Massey and wife, Sara. Joseph, Sr. passed away in 1994, and Beth eventually moved to Florence, AL to be closer to her children before moving to Nashville, TN. Throughout her life she was actively involved in the United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Massey was preceded in death by her husband, parents, Harold Vincent Utterback and Bessie Louise Jobe Beasley, and step-father, Charles Beasley.

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